Falkirk defender Peter Grant admits he is indebted to Fulham for being in the best shape of his career after signing a new contract at the Bairns.

The 22-year-old has extended his stay with Peter Houston’s side and is expected to make his comeback in September after sustaining knee cruciate ligament damage in January.

Grant was assisted in his rehabilitation by English Championship side Fulham, where his dad Peter senior is the club’s Under-21s manager.

And the commanding centre-half insists he will be in peak condition when he returns to action.

Grant, speaking to Falkirk TV, said: “I won’t be too far off, I won’t be missing too much of the first part of the season. I don’t really have a set date in mind, with things like this you can’t really put a set date down.

“I’m just taking it day by day, it’s progressing and I’m feeling strong. I’m glad to be back on the pitch doing my ball work.

“Fulham are a Premier League club even though they’re in the Championship just now. I’m so thankful, I can’t say thanks enough to them for all they’ve done for me; the way they spent their time with me from morning to late afternoon everyday, the facilities they gave me and the work they put on me to get me to the level I’m at now with my fitness.

“I’ve never felt as strong or fit. It’s the best shape I’ve been in and that’s credit to the work they’ve done with me.

“I can’t speak highly enough of them as people and the club, how good they are at their job and how much they made me feel welcome when I went down.”

Speaking about his new contract, Grant, who made 28 appearances last term, added: “I’m delighted about the new deal, I enjoy playing here and that club has been fantastic with me.”